To quote the AP, “Unemployment is up. The stock market is down. Let’s party”. Oh but wait there is a lame justification, its not a party according to Obama transition team, “It is not a celebration of an election. It is a celebration of our common values.”

How could anyone in the face of such economic times think its a good thing to over spend for a pomp and glitz? As politicians tell us to be responsible and tell corporations how to spend their money, Obamapalooza has spent without conscience. Is this the right message? Where is the outrage? Imagine, just imagine if GWB had ever done something quite like this? Remember when Democrats complained about the Federal deficit?

The AP finally woken up and realized that Obamafest has got expensive. Although they are a day late and a dollar short in reporting the fact that the price tag to Obamapalooza, President-elect Barack Obama’s inauguration gala, has gotten way out of hand, especially considering the present situation of today’s US economy, they did at least address the situation in an article, ‘Obama hosting pricey party in a dicey economy’. Can you only imagine if Republicans spent like this during such economic times for a party. Why is anyone surprised, their Democrats and what do Democrats do best, SPEND! Have an issue, got a problem, throw money at it. That’s the ticket.

The price tag for President-elect Barack Obama’s inauguration gala is expected to break records, with some estimates reaching as high as $150 million. Despite the bleak economy, however, Democrats who called on President George W. Bush to be frugal four years ago are issuing no such demands now that an inaugural weekend of rock concerts and star-studded parties has begun.

Obama’s inaugural committee has raised more than $41 million to cover events ranging from a Philadelphia-to-Washington train ride to a megastar concert with Beyonce, U2 and Bruce Springsteen to 10 official inaugural balls. Add to that the massive costs of security and transportation — costs absorbed by U.S. taxpayers — and the historic inauguration will produce an equally historic bill.

In 2005, Reps. Anthony Weiner, D-N.Y., and Jim McDermott, D-Wash., asked Bush to show a little less pomp and be a little more circumspect at his party.

However, believe it or not with the skyrocketing costs of the Obama Inauguration reaching $150 million, believe it or not they actually tried to keep prices down. Can you imagine if they didn’t try? As Wizbang states, “and here is the spew-inducing quote of the day — I’m warning you, swallow your coffee first.” And yes Wizbang, we like “PortaPottyPalooza” much better.

It appears that Town Hall find the quote of the Obama transition team to be quite comical as well as to the backlash of all the inaugural pomp and circumstance during tough economic times.

Obama’s inauguration committee says it is mindful of the times and is not worried people will see the four days of festivities as excessive.

“That is probably not the way the country is going to be looking at it,” said committee spokeswoman Linda Douglass. “It is not a celebration of an election. It is a celebration of our common values.”

Douglass said the campaign sought to keep costs down by having the same decorations at each of the 10 balls, eliminating floral arrangements and negotiating prices on food.

“Those at the Obama administration are trying to be reflective of the climate,” McDermott’s spokesman, Mike DeCeasar, said Saturday.

The over spending during tough economic times as opposed the the questioning of past events by GWB is not lost at Red State.

Where are the disquiet and the demands to be more circumspect now? We are still at war, and as Obama likes to say we are “in the midst of a crisis unlike any we have seen in our lifetime.” Do we hear calls for a short speech and cold chicken salad? No, instead the Democrats’ Obamafest requires a state of emergency and $170 million.

The country is in the middle of the worst economic downturn since the Great Depression, which isn’t stopping rich donors and the government from spending $170 million, or more, on the inauguration of Barack Obama .

Wait, there is a good reason to spend all this money into the teeth of a Recession or as Democrats like to call it, The Great Depression II. It’s ok according to Obama’s people because the $170 million is going to make Americans feel like we are all in this together. What!!! Couldn’t we have just had a group hug, wouldn’t that have been cheaper? Then again, it ok once again because there are plenty of rich donors willing to pick up the tab and God only knows they don’t expect favors in the future. Hell no, its Barack Obama and he does not believe in special interest money … some one tell us where is the change?

“The money is going toward providing events which we hope are going to connect people, make them feel like we are all in this together and reinforce the notion that when we pull together, we’re stronger,” Douglass said. “And we need to pull together to face the challenges that are before us today.”

Comments

It absolutely disgusts me to my core that people actually put, through the BS of the MSM, all their eggs in the Obama basket. Obama is supposed to be the savior as he put forth yesterday the “a new Declaration of Independence” – free from small thinking, prejudice and bigotry.

Politicians & govt is not the answer … they are the problem. These people of privilege of been skirting the laws that “we the people” have been following and abiding by for years.

Now after they have destroyed our economy through special interests and oversight committees looking the other way, a new Sheriff rides in like he is the answer to all of our problems . What bull $hit!

Obama can’t even escape the Chicago corruption machine as seen in Blago-gate. Do we really think there are clean politicians that come from this?

Obama’s first act as President during a tough economic time is to spend $160 million on himself so that everyone can see that he was elected. Sound responsible, eh? However, I guess when Obama plans to spend $1 trillion it pales in comparison and we are supposed to just accept it.

Giving Obama a free pass will sink this country. The premise that he can do no wrong is as dangerous a concept that has ever been put forth. When will people stop accepting stupid speaches and deamnd actions.

Talk is cheap … I for one am unwilling to give anyone a pass, especially during these times. You were hired to do a job and get ZERO time for on the job training. You wanted the job and said you were ready.

The time is less than 48 hrs away to put up or shut up because frankly I am already tired of the rah, rah speahes. You are no Lincoln, actually at this point you are nothing.

Start doing the work of all the American people or it will be a long 4 years.
R

wg on
January 18th, 2009 1:10 pm

Why would anyone expect change from the Obama administration?

Anyone expect them to look after why and how American Taxpayers got ripped off time and again by Freddie & Fannie, all those TARP recipients, and anyone else lined up for a handout?

Anyone expect they will look at what went wrong and who ignored the warning flags? Hmmm…

Rahm Emanuel – Ties to Freddie, did he lead the stampede to reform this institution between 2000-2002 when he was on the board? Later as a Senator? Perhaps he push for an investigation after tomorrow?

Barnie Frank – Did he join in efforts to reform Freddie/Fannie in 2005? Or, did he resist? Maybe he didn’t see a big enough problem?

How many generations will be paying for these Taxpayer ripoffs? Taxpayer monster tax increases of the future?

How long will the part in Washington last? Another four years? Eight? Will Capitol Hill ever look and wonder where American jobs went over the past 15-20 years? Why the giant sucking sound continues from Fannie/Freddie/Wall St./Capitol Hill?

Party on.

Who’s looking out for the best interests of the nation? How many years before a reformer, a healer of this nation will be elected?

How many generations of American’s will be enslaved by the national debt? Who in the administration-elect were in positions to reform and turned a blind eye to the problems? Loan failures? American taxpayers?

wg on
January 18th, 2009 1:30 pm

I forgot to add Tim Geither. Where has he been for the past 5-10 years? Could have have stopped the train wreck the American taxpayer is part of? Raise the red flag?

Is it easier to party on in Washington D.C.?

Anyone looking out for taxpayers? Looking to unwind the toxic debt this nation has taken on?

Or, just a big party to help some people forget, a temporary diversion.

buster on
January 18th, 2009 1:57 pm

What about:
The $800 billion economic “stimulus” bill may be more appropriately called the “Obama debt plan.” It will, after all, dump $6,700 per household of new debt into the laps of our children and grandchildren.
Whether it will actually stimulate the economy is another matter. So perhaps politicians can first answer a few questions from the back of the classroom:

1. President-elect Obama claims that spending approximately $800 billion will create 3.675 million new jobs. That comes to $217,000 per job. This doesn’t sound like a very good value, especially with the national average salary around $40,000. Wouldn’t it be cheaper to just mail each of these workers a $40,000 check?

2. Politicians say deficit spending will expand the economy (as if President Bush’s $300 billion budget deficits brought economic nirvana). If that were true, then the current $1.2 trillion deficit — the largest in history — would already be rescuing the economy. It’s obviously not. So why would $800 billion more of the same suddenly end the recession?

3. We’re told that government spending will add new spending power to the economy. But Congress doesn’t have a vault of money waiting to be distributed: Every dollar lawmakers “inject” into the economy must first be taxed or borrowed out of the economy. If government borrows the money from American investors, investment spending drops accordingly. If it’s borrowed from foreigners, net exports drop accordingly. How does borrowing $800 billion from one group of people and giving that $800 billion to another group of people make us wealthier?

4. Some answer the previous question by saying that transferring income from savers to spenders keeps more money circulating through the economy. That made some sense in the 1930s when people hid their savings in mattresses because they didn’t trust the banks. But today, people use their savings to pay down debt, invest or put it in banks — in each case, making the purchasing power available to others wishing to borrow. Thus, savings circulate through the investment spending side of the economy. How does transferring money out of investment help?

5. Policymakers are basing the “stimulus” bill on economic models that wrongly assume every $1 of government spending increases the economy by approximately $1.60. Is it really that simple? By that logic, debt-ridden, big-government countries like Italy, France and Germany should be wealthier than America. And why stop at $800 billion? Such logic suggests unlimited prosperity could be guaranteed by the government borrowing and spending $800 trillion. Should America be basing such costly decisions on these types of economic models?

6. Lawmakers tell us every $1 billion in highway “stimulus” can be spent creating 34,779 new construction jobs. But Congress must first borrow that $1 billion out of the private economy. Won’t the private sector then lose the same number of jobs?

7. During the 1930s, New Deal lawmakers doubled federal spending — and unemployment remained above 20 percent until World War II. More recently, Japan responded to a 1990 recession by passing 10 “stimulus” bills over 8 years (building the largest national debt in the industrialized world) — and their economy remained stagnant. Why do lawmakers believe the same failed approach will succeed for the U.S. today?

8. The economy sank because people over-borrowed for houses they couldn’t afford, and financial institutions over-borrowed for investments they badly misjudged. Washington’s solution is to borrow $800 billion that it cannot afford. How will adding $800 billion to the national debt (which will also raise interest rates) solve a recession created by imprudent borrowing? And who will bail out the American taxpayer when the bill comes due?

9. Temporary tax rebates were implemented in 1975, 2001 and 2008, and most economists agree they failed to help the economy. Long-term marginal tax rate reductions implemented in 1982 and 2003 both substantially increased economic growth. So why are lawmakers planning another round of temporary tax rebates, followed by an increase in tax rates?

10. Mayors have pledged to spend stimulus funds on items such as a mob museum in Nevada, a polar bear exhibit in Rhode Island, and curbing prostitution in Dayton, Ohio. As National Review asked, how come one Bridge to Nowhere is a national embarrassment and 1,000 Bridges to Nowhere are a “stimulus?” Given the 11,000 annual earmarks, why should taxpayers trust politicians to spend this money better than they would spend it themselves?

Our dem congress fully supported Freddie & Fannie; ofcourse, they took no responsiblity for it. They now see power like they’ve never had in their lifetimes. They will systematically take every moral thing in our country and toss it out the window. Nancy Polosi and other feminists like her believe that marriage and parenthood is a trap to intelligent women. I am a wife and mother of 5 with a career. It really can be done in a good family that supports each other. We all need to put on our big girl pants and follow Sarah Palin.

Greg on
January 18th, 2009 5:19 pm

Why so much money? Obamapalooza, and Obamafest could happen for 1 million not 150 million.

We need a third party. The Patriot Party, for cheap sobs like myself.

I hate to see the government waste the peoples money on bale outs of PRIVATE BANKS, Hedge FUNDS, AIG, Car industry, ect.,. I predict they will all go chapter 11 down the road.

We the people pay to keep crooks get their bonuses in bad times, while running the
USA into the ground. We serve the super elite, and corporations. GOD SAVE AMERICA! Help…

buster on
January 18th, 2009 9:09 pm

Kenya brewery produces Obama-inspired lager
A brewer shows a beer bottle at Kenya Breweries Limited (KBL), East Africa’s largest brewery where the special edition lager “President” was inspired after the victory of Barack Obama in last year’s U.S. presidential elections, in the capital Nairobi, January 13, 2009.
I gunna puke !!!!

Just Bearly on
January 18th, 2009 10:11 pm

… This will probably set the tone for four years from now… after all the Monopoly funny (bailout) money gets printed, everything will get very pricey.

rightknight on
January 19th, 2009 12:28 am

We movin on up to thee sky
We finally got our piece of the pie.

That song sounds so great accompanied
with the rather musical din of the printing
presses cranking out the ‘free’ money to
pay for the crisis. Everyone gets a piece
of the pie. Let’s sing a song about who
pays for that pie later on, but, meanwhile
…………..

Please pass the lobster, caviar, and the champagne!

Julie on
January 19th, 2009 4:37 am

Why didnt the intelligent voters vote for Ron Paul? Because the media rules this country with a stranglehold. I am not surprised at the obamapalooza, because in thit time of economic crisis, the legislative branch voted themselves a hefty raise. How about, instead of fame, fortune,and name recognition, you do your f—ing job, representing your constituents. C’mon i know you can do it….with your big bleached white phony teeth.

buster on
January 19th, 2009 6:14 am

The name George Jefferson sounds a lot better than obama !!! Pretty funny # 10

What this country first needs is term limits for Congress and the Senate. The Founding Fathers never intended for career politicians.

We should not only limit the # of years of people in the Congress and Senate, but in politics in general. That would put an end real quick to the special interest $’s. Who would spend millions when you know that the politician is only in for a finite # of years.

It is disgusting how DC has allowed $’s the ruin it. Obama railed on special interests during his campaign yet he had no problem granting special media licenses to HBO and others for millions of $’s for exclusive coverage.

So much for Obamapalooza being for the people and by the people and seen by all the people.
R

super dave on
January 19th, 2009 7:28 am

starting wednesday january 21, 2009 we will begin to witness the complete destruction of our country by the hand of a foriegner put in office by more than half of our own fellow citizens.
God help us .

Rusty Bridges on
January 19th, 2009 7:55 am

Yeah, earlier I thought no big deal, but this is truly an indication that dems do not have a clue. This historic moment in our history should have been an example of how our leader is going to guide us through this crisis. I guess it actually is.

Finally got our piece of the pie? They will be scarfing that pie for the next four years and will not leave us a crumb.

We are F’d.

Brenda in Virginia on
January 19th, 2009 9:10 am

Yup…today’s Democratic Party has infiltrated by the radical left/socialists/marxists. They are no longer a moral party as a whole. Sadly, the Republican Party is not taking the moral stand it used to anymore either, so what do we have to look to? Nothing but ourselves at this point.

As for all the financial broohaha, those now in power caused this, so don’t look for any investigations into their organized crime….won’t happen. they’ll be too busy trying to shift attention to whatever charges Pelosi and fellow witches try to bring upon the outgoing Bush administration.

so sad to see we are in a time in history America seems to be losing her soveriegnty, and getting it back will be painful if not impossible.

Michelle S in MS on
January 19th, 2009 10:25 am

I never thought I’d see this in my lifetime when “we the people” no longer have a say in our lives. I never thought that we would be controlled by the government, I always thought that was the past we read about in the history books, like Russia, China, and other countries but not in the U.S.A. It is rather frightening what our country is becoming. Our government does not care about “we the people” they only care about lining their pockets with our hard earned money.

Look at what we’ve become

God Help Us

Brenda in Virginia on
January 19th, 2009 10:30 am

Julie…you are preaching to the choir…

I have no doubt this bunch coming to power in Washington CAN do it..but would rather not. If (as you put it so well) the news media continues it’s stranglehold on the hypnotized Americans who are no longer able to think for themselves, they have no need to worry about doing anything morally or fiscally responsible. Why bother? they have the media laying at its feet with their finely honed Marxist tactics down pat (publishi lies until the public believes it…all it is).

They forced themselves into power and have no desire to loose it…even if that means selling out America to our enemies…some of whom live right here amoung us (Pelosi, Clintons, Al Frankin, George Soros, etc.)

Obama IMO is simply a pawn in a big game. He was expendable as was Kerry and Gore…only reason he got where he is is because he was allowed. He is not going to be the decision maker for the anti-America machine that put him there. If he DARES see things differently and try to do anything moral or good for the country…he’ll wind up like Kennedy and King.

J.R. on
January 19th, 2009 10:37 am

This site is a freaking joke. Until you guys decide whether you want to be a True Crime site or a Rush Limbaugh echo chamber I will refrain from visiting or participating in the .net or .com version of your site.

1. The numbers above are largely unsubstantiated. Find one freaking source in any of those links…just one.

Most anyone who has even attempted to make sense of those gaudy largely false and made up figures attempt to include money for security and staff. One problem is (which Media Matters points out) that in the history of tracking costs of Presidential Inaugurations security and staff numbers have been kept out.

So those up above who want to say that Bush only spent 41 Million then you might want to add in the estimated 115 Million Bush reportedly spent on staff and security. Bringing their totals (or as reported) to essentially the same thing.

I’m out of here. This shitty site has turned into nothing but a Rush Limbaugh echo chamber….a huge freaking joke. Don’t even have enough balls to put a name to the hit piece. Scared Monkeys staff indeed….
_____
SM: Hey liberal kool-aide drinking dumb a$$ … none of the stories here have a name attached to them. Those with a brain know who wrote the stories. Sadly what you find fine for Obama was a travesty against GWB. Nice consistency. BTW … we at Scared Monkeys can chew gum and walk at the same time … can you? Do not tell us what we need to decide to be. Worry about yourself … we can be anything we set our minds to and not drink political kool-aide along the way. Wrong is wrong and everyone can see it no matter what party one belongs to.

You are a perfect example of what is wrong with liberals, you lack only honesty to keep your own politicians in check. What a joke. Like anyone can honestly say that spending 150 mil in these times are worth it … yea right.

Here we have Obama in his speech going to tell us about personal responsibility yet his people are spending like drunkin sailors. BTW, I don’t listen to Rush.
R

I saw an article yesterday saying that the Obama hype is already subsiding in Europe … after the initial instinctive ‘Bush is gone!’ reaction, now they’re catching on to the fact that our problems remain.

Obama is our new president, no doubt about that … so best wishes, Mr. President. You must know that the honeymoon atmosphere will last only so long.

It’s worth remembering that (according to what I heard) George Bush, the 43rd president, began his time in office with the highest public approval ratings ever. And ended it with the lowest approval ratings ever.

As you take office, you face a federal government, fifty state governments, and countless county, city, and town governments …

(to say NOTHING of private businesses)

… that all want to get on the federal gravy train. This in the land that free enterprise made the most powerful on earth, ever.

The country is in the middle of the worst economic downturn since the Great Depression, which isn’t stopping rich donors and the government from spending $170 million, or more, on the inauguration of Barack Obama .

The actual swearing-in ceremony will cost $1.24 million, according to Carole Florman, spokeswoman for the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies.

It’s the security, parties and countless Porta-a-Potty rentals that really run up the bill.

R

super dave on
January 19th, 2009 1:07 pm

there are at least 170 million americans that could sure put this money to good use.
what a shame to be wasted on a party ! if obama is so insecure, meybe he should step down and let someone else with some knowledge handle our problems.
this party is just another politician who cares more about being seen in the limelight than getting our country out of this mess.

Brenda in Virginia on
January 19th, 2009 1:09 pm

JR not going to grace us with his/her presence any longer? Awwwww…how sad.

super dave on
January 19th, 2009 1:46 pm

news today says that the world’s fascination with obama is winding down and more and more Americans are looking at each other wondering “what have we done” ?
25,000 strong security force ? sounds like barry is very worried for his safety. maybe they should have had a quite little inexpensive party , swear him in and everybody go home.
instead , there will be concerts, food, and dunking booths for the kids !

Michelle S in MS on
January 19th, 2009 1:56 pm

What did you expect from someone who goes by the name JR? Sounds like he got his panties in a wad.

Tomorrow night Obama is going to tell all you people to be responsible. That the burden lies on you as well to fix America.

He does this as he spends $150 million on his coronation in the teeth of a Recession (what he calls it). Who in good conscience does this?

YOU COMMONERS BE RESPONSIBLE AND WE POLITICIANS WILL SPEND MONEY LIKE DRUNKEN SAILORS.

Government and politicians are not the answer, they are part of the problem.
R

super dave on
January 19th, 2009 3:22 pm

of all the lip flapping that obama has done in the last few days, not a word about our country or the poor economy. only his party and how his presidency could help race relations. instead of a three day train ride with all included, maybe he should be learning something about actually being a president.
oh, and now his brotha wright is proud of him and blames the media for his short comings. we will see him in the whitehouse before the first year is up.

yoyo muffintop on
January 19th, 2009 8:39 pm

Republicans are all for capitalism so I don’t see why you wingnuts would have a problem with individuals using their own money any way they see fit.

Wow – you hypocritical wingnuts ain’t the brightest…hahahahaha.

But, hey, Republican’s spending $10 billion a week on a pointless war while Iraq sits on a surplus sure makes sense.

Pissing and moaning about the inauguration is not gonna make McCain president SM. Sorry.

super dave on
January 20th, 2009 7:14 am

YOYO: better to be a wing nut than a left nut like you !
will you be in washington to worship your boy ? please hold up a sign for us. oh, you will be the clown in the dunking booth.

The federal government estimates that it will spend roughly $49 million on the inaugural weekend. Washington, D.C., Virginia and Maryland have requested another $75 million from the federal government to help pay for their share of police, fire and medical services.

And then there is the party bill.

“We have a budget of roughly $45 million, maybe a little bit more,” said Linda Douglass, spokeswoman for the inaugural committee.

Michelle S in MS on
January 20th, 2009 12:36 pm

YoYo Pontificates “Republicans are all for capitalism so I don’t see why you wingnuts would have a problem with individuals using their own money any way they see fit.”

No, actually we have a problem with the government spending OUR money. Want to talk about hypocrites, look in the mirror. The libs pissed & moaned about what was spent on Bush’s inauguration (only a third of the money spent on today’s event) but it’s okay for Obama to spend 160 million. Now that’s hypocritical.

Get your facts straight YoYo. You are such a tool.

Princess on
January 20th, 2009 1:31 pm

People will find out how much of a fraud obama is. African Americans will be thrown under the bus.

super dave on
January 20th, 2009 1:51 pm

they have already been thrown under the bus. obama is an owned president as already stated by some black celebrities. but they voted for him anyway because of skin color.
he will owe those who put him in office and they will be taken care of before the country’s problems.

yoyo muffintop on
January 20th, 2009 2:38 pm

Michelle S – Care to back up that $160 million of taxpayer money spent rant with any facts? A breakdown specifically of “taxpayer” money?
Bet ya won’t or can’t.

Most (except you) now know that Bush’s cost $157 million and Obama’s aprox $160 mill (although Obama’s tab will take weeks to figure out).

Bush:
$115.5 million, most of it for security, the swearing-in ceremony, cleanup and for a holiday for federal workers. $42 million private donations.

Obama:
$115 million (aprox), most of it for security, the swearing-in ceremony, cleanup and for a holiday for federal workers. $45 million private donations.

Inauguration Day is over now Michelle S – you can continue with your hate.

Michelle S in MS on
January 20th, 2009 3:06 pm

YoYo

Can you ever post anything factual?

yoyo muffintop on
January 20th, 2009 7:34 pm

Michelle S – Once again…as they say…you’ve been owned. haha.

Now hold on to your wallet folks…it only happens every 4 years…Inaugurations: One big public spectacle that most of us see from the cheap seats followed by a series of exclusive parties where secret deals are made and insider networks set up. K Street’s wet dream. It’s a long and profitable night for both sides of the aisle.